Hinge mechanism for a portable, foldable electronic device comprising at least two use positions

ABSTRACT

A hinge mechanism for a portable, foldable electronic device comprising two or more positions and comprising at least three housing parts foldable in relation to each other, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises: a hinge system adapted to couple a first housing part to a second housing part, to fold the first and the second housing parts in relation to each other, and to couple the first and the second housing parts to a third housing part in a foldable manner; and an ejector mechanism adapted for moving said hinge system away from the third housing part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/918,283 filed on Jul. 30, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hinge mechanism for a portable,foldable electronic device comprising two or more positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For storing various 1data, known electronic devices are available, suchas notepad computers, small hand-held computers or PDA devices (personaldigital assistant). The data can be viewed by means of the display ofthe device. The data are entered in the devices by means of a keypad ora touch screen. Also wireless communication devices, such as mobilephones, comprise a keypad and a display for storing or selectingtelephone numbers. Known devices include Nokia® 8850, 7110 and 6110mobile phones. Devices are also available having two different userinterfaces, normally the user interfaces of a mobile phone and a PDAdevice. One such known device is Nokia® 9110 Communicator, whose firstuser interface (opened position) is a PDA user interface and second userinterface (closed position) is a CMT user interface (cellular mobiletelephone) for mobile phone functions. The device comprises separatekeypads and displays for the different user interfaces. The devicecomprises two housing parts hinged to each other. On their inner side,the PDA user interface of the device is protected between the housingparts in the closed position of the device. The CMT user interface is onthe outer side of one housing part.

A PDA/CMT device comprising two user interfaces and two different usepositions is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,573. In the closedposition, the device is used as a mobile phone, and in the openedposition, a separate keypad and display are available. When opened, itis also possible to have e.g. a wireless connection to a communicationnetwork and to search for information by means of a browser orcommunication software in the device. A PDA/CMT device comprising two ormore foldable housing parts is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,196.The CMT user interface is placed on the outer sides of both housingparts. One embodiment of the device also comprises a wide display whichis divided into two foldable housing parts. A corresponding wide displaycomprising two foldable housing parts is also known from the patentpublication U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,513. When the housing parts are closed,the displays remain protected therebetween. The separate displays areplaced next to each other to form a wider uniform display.

It is known that devices comprising a CMT user interface only can alsobe provided with auxiliary functions, for example a camera, as disclosedin the application publication EP 0 963 100 A1. Electronic imagesproduced with the camera, for example still images or video images, canbe transferred to the display of the device or be transmitted in awireless manner elsewhere in the communication network and to other CMTdevices. A particular problem is induced by the placement of the cameraalso in the PDA/CMT device to make the use of the camera possible andsimple in different positions of the device.

In known PDA/CMT devices that can be opened and closed, a problem is theplacement of keys or corresponding control buttons, cursor keys,rotatable rolls or balls, rocker buttons or navigation keys in anoptimal way for the use. A particular problem lies in two interfaceswhich are used in different positions of the device, wherein the grip ofthe user's hand should be simultaneously changed and/or released to makethe use comfortable and to make opening of the device even possible.When opening and changing the grip, both hands are often needed. Thekeys for several different grips must be placed within reach of thefingers, but at the same time, they often require space e.g. on thedisplay. To facilitate each grip, the device comprises several separatekeys for the same function. When browsing, wide displays are preferable,wherein they extend even to two housing parts when the devices becomesmaller. To make the use of the device comfortable, the placement of thekeys and the holding positions should be ergonomic. It is problematic toimplement control keys for other integrated auxiliary functions andpositions in PDA/CMT devices whose size is continuously reduced.

Other portable foldable electronic devices are shown in EP 0898405 A2,U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,751 and JP 9305259.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improvement to the prior art. Thepresent invention facilitates the use of the device by making itshandling possible with the grip of one hand both in the opened and inthe closed position. The housing parts of the device can be openedwithout changing the grip or the orientation of the device.

The hinge mechanism of the device places the housing parts next to eachother, and also the total width of the device can be reduced when thehousing parts, placed against each other, are moved thereby partly intothe handle-like housing part. The displays are protected between thehousing parts. The hinge system can be hidden behind the housing partsand inside the handle part, and it comprises a mechanism whichautomatically opens and preferably also unfolds the device. By means ofthe hinge system, the point of revolution of the housing parts can beplaced right at the edge of the inner walls, facilitating theimplementation of various integrated foldable displays.

Also in the closed position, the PDA/CMT device is held by the handlepart, wherein it is also provided with an electronic display, forexample for selecting telephone numbers from a list to be scrolled onthe display. A telephone number is selected and a call is started andterminated by using control buttons, a navigation key or the like in thehandle part. The earpiece of the phone is placed in the upper part ofthe opening housing part, and the microphone is placed in the lowerpart.

The PDA/CMT device is preferably a flat device comprising two designedand substantially parallel side surfaces. A flat side surface is formedby the outer side of one opening housing part as well as the sidesurface of the handle part, separated by the hinge seam. The openinghousing parts, placed against each other, are located on opposite sidesof the device, next to the handle part. The handle part and the otherhousing parts are preferably stationary in relation to each other whenthe device is in the closed position.

The device based on a handle-like housing part which is added tofoldable housing parts and in which the keys and other control buttonsor the like are placed. The invention is based on the way in which theother housing parts are folded in relation to this handle part. Thehandle part can be designed for an ergonomic grip. When the controlbuttons are placed on different sides of the handle part, and anavigation key which is preferably also equipped with a push-buttonfunction is placed on the upper corner of the device, the device can becontrolled with one grip. The device can be opened with a push-button onthe top surface. The same keys can also be used to control the auxiliaryfunctions, such as camera, video and music functions. The keys or thelike are placed in such a way that the PDA/CMT functions of the devicecan be used without changing the grip and preferably in the same way byboth the left and the right hand.

A particular advantage is obtained when the aim is to transmit a videoimage of the user during a call, wherein the closed device can be easilyand quickly opened to answer a video call. By means of an image sensorin the device, it is possible to create images in electrical format. Theimages can be electronically transferred forward and/or displayed on thedisplay of the device. It is not necessary to release the hand from thehandle part, wherein the fingers remain on the keys to secure a quickstart and control of the functions. The display of the opened device isavailable for displaying received images e.g. during a video call.

The lower part of the handle is designed as a crutch. The device remainsopened and vertical when placed on a base, for example on a table, and avideo call can be continued by releasing the grip, wherein the hands arereleased for other use. At the same time, the display and the camera aredirected to the user. In this position, the display presents, fordifferent purposes, e.g. an electronic calendar, a web site or anelectronic still image photographed with a camera as a screensaver or ina way resembling a frame. The handle part also supports the horizontaldevice in a tilted position, which makes it easier to read the display.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism for moving the camera changesthe orientation of the image sensor automatically when the device isopened. In one case, the image sensor will automatically follow also theuser, e.g. by focusing on a detector fixed on the user. The orientationof the camera can also be changed by programming or manually, e.g. byusing a 4-directional navigation key in the handle part. The orientationof images, text and other information on the display can be preferablychanged in at least two positions rotated 90° in relation to each other.Thus, the opened device can be used in both the vertical and thehorizontal position according to the preference of the user or thealternative which is advantageous in view of the application to be runin the device or in view of the information displayed on the display.

According to an embodiment, the electronic displays located in the twodifferent housing parts are placed adjacent to each other in the openeddevice, forming a display area which is as seamless and uniform aspossible. The display area is slightly folded, but it is preferablysubstantially planar. This makes it possible to display larger unitsthan one display at one time. Placed on the side of the displays, alsoadjacent, are also the stereo speakers of the device, for example onboth sides of the displays.

In an embodiment, the upper part of the handle part is provided with theviewfinder of an electronic camera. In the closed device, the imagesensor of the camera is oriented in the same direction as theviewfinder. Taking of an electronic image is controlled by controlbuttons in the handle part. The display of the handle part is also usedas the display for the camera.

In an embodiment, it is also possible to connect to the device awirelessly operating headset device comprising one or more earpieces anda headset. The device can be used e.g. as a hands-free device. Accordingto another advantageous embodiment, these are also used for listening tomusic which is transmitted from the PDA/CMT device in digital format ina wireless manner. The music is stored in the memory means of the deviceand/or it is transmitted to the device by using a wireless communicationnetwork. The functions are controlled by using the above-mentioned keysor buttons in the handle part. The headset device can also be equippedwith a control unit comprising e.g. a display and keys. According to anadvantageous embodiment, the device is controlled in a wireless mannerby means of the headset control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail byusing as an example an electronic PDA/CMT communication device. In thiscontext, reference is made to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an electronic device according to an embodiment of theexample, particularly a PDA/CMT device in a closed position and seenfrom the left hand side,

FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 in a closed position and seen from theright hand side,

FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 1 in a semi-open position in aperspective view, seen from the rear left side and sloping downwards,and

FIG. 4 shows the device of FIG. 1 in an open position in a perspectiveview, seen from the front left side and sloping downwards, and

FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 1 in an opened horizontal position andseen from the front,

FIG. 6 shows the device of FIG. 1 in a closed position and seen fromabove,

FIG. 7 shows the hinge mechanism for the device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a communication device 1, in thefollowing description also called device 1, comprises in the useposition a horizontal handle-like housing part 2 comprising asubstantially even side surface 21. The housing part 2 is arranged forholding the device 1 in the user's palm. A side surface 22 with asubstantially identical shape is located on the opposite side of thehousing part 2, i.e. the handle part 2, and the device 1. FIG. 2 alsoillustrates the user's grip to hold the device 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, thedevice 1 is shown in a closed position (CMT use position), but thedevice 1 is held in a corresponding manner when it is in its openedposition (PDA use position), as shown in FIG. 4. A right-handed user hasthe thumb and the other fingers on the sides 22 and 21, respectively; aleft-handed user vice versa. The forefinger is placed on top of thehandle 2 when using the navigation key 3. The handle part 2 alsocomprises a side surface 23 between the side surfaces 21, 22, placedagainst the user's palm. The side surface 23 extends transversely acrossthe palm between the thumb and the other fingers, when the device 1 isheld in the use position and in a substantially vertical position. InFIG. 2, the side surface 23 and the longitudinal direction of the device1 are placed substantially parallel to the forefinger. The side surface23 is supported by the palm, resting on it, when the palm is directedtowards the user's face, sloping upwards. The device 1 is thushorizontal or slightly slanted. The fingers are simultaneously used tosupport the handle part 2 by pressing the side surfaces 21 and 22,wherein the swinging of the device 1 is efficiently prevented during theuse or the opening.

To control the functions of the device 1, the handle part 2 is providedwith a set of keys, control buttons, navigation keys or the like withinthe reach of the fingers. When the device 1 is held as shown in FIG. 2,the forefinger extends to the upper surface 24 of the handle part 2 andto the edge 25 where a navigation key 3 is placed. Depending on thedesign of the device 1, the key 3 can be placed even entirely on the topsurface 24 or the side surface 23, being placed, however, symmetricallybetween the sides 21, 23 for both hands, but preferably it is in thecorner 25. The control key 4 is placed underneath the thumb, and in acorresponding position on the side 21 there is a control button 5 withinthe reach of e.g. the forefinger. The device 1 is supported with thefingers from different sides, when the key 4 or 5 is pressed down, andat the same time, the lower part of the palm is supported to the handlepart 2. The buttons 4 and 5 are placed in the upper part 26 of thehandle part 2. For left- and right-handed use, the navigation key 3 issymmetrically located in relation to the side surfaces 21 and 22. If thebuttons 4 and 5 have different functions, it is possible that theirfunctions can be exchanged for different hands by programming and bymeans of the control system of the device.

The lower surface 28 of the lower part 27 of the handle part 2 isdesigned in such a way that the opened device 1 is supported against itsbase and remains in the vertical position as shown in FIG. 4. The device1 is also supported by the unfolded housing parts 6 and 9, when thelower part 27 extends downwards substantially on the same level with thehousing parts 6 and 9. The display 8 of the device is thus tiltedapproximately 10-30° backwards, wherein it is easily readable when theuser is sitting at a table. At the same time, the camera to be usedduring a video call can be better directed towards the user. The masscentre of the device 1 is placed on the front side of the supportingpoint provided by the lower surface 28.

With reference to FIG. 2, the device comprises a first housing part 6comprising an outer wall 61 which is simultaneously the side and outersurface of the device 1. Part of the outer surface of the device 1 isalso formed by the side surface 22. The side surface 22 and the outerwall 61 constitute a substantially even surface which is divided intotwo halves separated by a longitudinal seam 7 at the hinge. The housingpart 6 is on that side of the handle part 2 which is opposite to theside surface 23. This side is facing the user in the opened position ofthe device 1, as shown in FIG. 5, when the planar electronic display 8is being viewed. On this side there is also a side surface 28, as shownin FIG. 4. In this use position, the palm is facing the viewer, and thehandle part 2 is oriented away from the user in a direction which isperpendicular (90° angular difference) to the plane defined by thedisplay 8. In the presented embodiment, an electronic display 81 placedon the inner wall 62 of the housing part 6 and an electronic display 82placed on the inner wall 92 of the housing part 9 are substantiallyparallel, when the device 1 is fully opened, as shown in FIG. 5. Theyare placed as close to each other as possible, to form a uniform planardisplay area 8. The displays 81, 82 and thereby the housing parts 6, 9move to the opposite position (I position shown in FIG. 6), wherein theangular difference is 0°, and to an adjacent position (T position shownin FIG. 4), wherein the angular difference is even 180°, varying forexample between 165° and 180°. The handle part 2 is placed at the hingeat the seam between the housing parts 6, 9. In the opposite position,the housing parts 6, 9 are parallel with the handle part 2 (0° angulardifference).

The device 1 comprises a corresponding second housing part 9 comprisingan outer wall 91 which simultaneously constitutes the side and outersurface of the device 1. Part of the outer surface of the device 1 isalso formed by the side surface 21. The side surface 21 and the outerwall 91 constitute a substantially even surface which is divided intotwo halves separated by a longitudinal seam 10 at the hinge. In theclosed position, the inner walls 62, 92 are placed against each other,close to and facing each other, wherein the displays 81, 92 aresimultaneously folded together. The displays 81, 82 and the inner walls62 and 92 are protected between the housing parts 6, 9. Separately, thedisplays 81, 82 are substantially rectangular, and when combined byplacing their long edges adjacent to each other, they constitute afoldable, almost quadratic display 8. In one embodiment, the angularposition of at least one of the housing parts in relation to the otherhousing part can be adjusted, e.g. to an angular difference between 0°and 15°. This makes the use easier in the position of FIG. 5, whereinthe display 82 represents a QWERTY keyboard and the display 81 displaysthe text written. Thus at least the display 82 is a touch screen. Thedevice 1 can be readily opened in this angular position, from which itcan be moved to the fully opened position shown in FIG. 5 (0° angulardifference). The longitudinal edges of the housing parts 2 and 9 aresupported against a base to make it easier to write.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper part 26 of the handle part 2 is providedwith an electronic display 11 which is used in the CMT mode fordisplaying data and information known from mobile phones. These includee.g. text messages, menus for phone settings, the number of an incomingcall, the selected phone number, or a phone number list which isbrowsed. For the CMT mode, the upper part 63 of the housing part 6 isequipped with a set of openings 12 for the phone earpiece which isplaced against the user's ear. The earpiece is placed inside the housing6 and arranged for converting electric signals into audible sound. Thelower part 64 of the housing part 6 is equipped with a necessary set ofopenings 13 for a phone microphone which is placed inside the housingpart 6 and arranged for converting the user's speech into an electricsignal. The earpiece and the microphone can also be provided in aseparate auxiliary device in a wireless radio frequency (RF) orinfra-red (IR) connection with the device 1, wherein the microphone andthe earpiece can be easily used also in the opened position and in thePDA mode. In particular, Bluetooth™ wireless technology, which is knownas such and is suitable for short-range communication, is applied in theimplementation.

Selections from a menu or a list are made by using the button 4 or 5.For example, the button 4 corresponds to the SEND button of a phone(starting a call, answering a call), and the button 5 corresponds to theEND button of a phone (terminating a call). Alternatively, the menus arebrowsed and a telephone number is selected with the navigation key 3,which can be rocked at least forward and backward (corresponding toARROW UP and ARROW DOWN keys). Thus, the key 3 rocks in the direction ofthe upper surface 24 and the side surface 23. To make and/or confirm aselection, the key 3 can also be pressed down by a finger (correspondingto the MENU key of a phone). Text can be written by the key 3 or thelike by first selecting the write mode and then browsing the letters. Aletter is selected by the button function of the key 3 (alternatively bythe key 4 and/or 5), as also terminating or sending a text message.

An advantageous embodiment of the device 1 of FIG. 2 comprises anoptical lense arrangement 14 which extends through the handle part 2 andis the viewfinder of the electronic camera. The viewfinder 14 isarranged at the upper edge of the side surface 22, and it is orientedaway from the user in a direction which is substantially perpendicularto the side surface 21. Alternatively, the view is displayed on thedisplay 11 which is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD) known assuch. The view can be obtained as an image from the image sensor of thecamera, converting the optical image to electric signals. The imagesensor is for example a charge coupled device (CCD) known as such. Onthe basis of the view, the camera is focused to its object to take astill or video image. The image is stored in digital format in thememory means of the device 1, and it can also be transmitted further ina wireless manner in the CMT and PDA modes. Menus and symbols related tothe function of the camera, such as dates and image management, aredisplayed on the display 11. The button of the key 3 or the controlbutton 4 (or control button 5) is used as a release button, and themenus are controlled e.g. by the key 3.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 is used forlistening music stored in digital format in the memory means.Furthermore, music signals can be directed to the separate headsetdevice described above. The necessary memory means as well as the meansfor controlling the functions are alternatively placed in a separateheadset control unit. The electric music signals are transferred bymeans of the device 1 from a communication network to the control unit.On the inner walls 62, 92, the device 1 is also provided with sets ofopenings 16, 17 for stereo speakers. The speakers are inside the housingparts 6, 9. The music functions can be alternatively controlled in theclosed position by means of the display 11 and the keys 3, 4 and 5. Ifthe device 1 comprises several different functional modes, e.g. PDA,CMT, camera and player modes, the default mode is the CMT mode forreceiving calls. The display 11 thus displays a menu for selecting theother modes. In each mode, the functions of the keys and the like aredetermined according to the selected mode. According to the invention,in the different modes, the device 1 can still be used without changingor releasing the grip of one hand, as well as by controlling it with thecontrol buttons 4, 5 and the navigation key 3.

The buttons 4 and 5 are dome-like film keys which click when presseddown and return up automatically. Preferably, the same film covers boththe key 4 (or key 5) and the side surface 22 (or side surface 21),forming a seamless side surface. The button, designed as a bulge withthe size of a fingertip, is placed in a low recess in the side surface.Preferably, also the button function of the key 3 clicks and returns upautomatically. The click gives the user a clear feel of operation of thekey. For versatile menu functions and for controlling the cursor movingon the display, the key 3 rocks in 2 to 8 different directions (up anddown, preferably also left and right in the direction of the sidesurfaces). Corresponding to each direction or pressing, the key 3 givesa continuous or short electric signal for controlling the device 1. Thekey 3 is for example round and fitted in a cradle formed in the handlepart 2. Alternatively, the key 3 is a roll, disc or ball which can berotated in at least two directions and which also allows pressing down.The rotation axis of the roll is substantially perpendicular to the sidesurfaces 21, 22.

To facilitate the use, the device 1 is automatically opened by a button15 which is fitted in a nest formed on the upper surface 24, as shown inFIG. 6. According to one embodiment, the button 15 is a mechanicallyoperated locking device triggering a spring-actuated hinge mechanism.Thus, the grip does not need to be released, opening by one hand ispossible, and the device 1 is quickly opened to the position of FIG. 4or 5, for example for a video call. Thus, the camera is also available,and menus displayed on the touch screen 8 can be browsed by one hand.

When the device 1 is opened, the housing parts 6, 9 first move away fromthe handle part 2, in the position of FIG. 6 upwards, after which theycan be opened as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 6, the transfer movement andthe intermediate position of the housing parts 6, 9 are shown with abroken line A. From FIGS. 1 and 5, it is seen that the width of theinner wall 92, corresponding to the width of the inner wall 62, isgreater than the width of the outer wall 91, which corresponds to thewidth of the outer wall 62. The housing parts 6, 9 are moved thisdifference into the handle part 2, wherein the total width of the closeddevice 1 is reduced, in the presented embodiment by about 10%. FIG. 3shows side edge 93 placed lower than side edge 91, and the edge 94therebetween, as well as an equal edge 20 in the handle part 2. Theedges 94 and 20 are placed against each other and form a narrow seam 10according to FIG. 1. The hinge system on the wall edge 93 is not visiblein FIG. 3. The housing part 6 is provided with corresponding structures.The housing parts 6, 9 are supported against the inner parts of thehandle part 2 and against each other, to prevent folding.

In one embodiment, the housing parts 6, 9 are glided out and unfolded bymeans of force effects of springs under tension. The device is closed bygripping the parts 6 and 9 by one hand, folding them against each otherand pressing them inside the handle part 2. The grip of the other handstill corresponds to that shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, thehandle part and the housing parts constitute an integrated lockedstructure which cannot be bent. In the opened-position, the device 1remains by itself in the position shown for example in FIG. 4.

According to one embodiment of the FIGS. 3 and 4, a camera arm 18 for animage sensor is provided on the surface 29 of the upper part 26 in thehandle 2. The horizontal camera arm 18 is placed between the housingparts 6, 9, and it has a set of openings 19 for the sensor lensearrangement. In the closed position, the sensor is oriented in the samedirection as the viewfinder 14. The camera arm 18 is rotatable aroundits longitudinal axis downwards and in the opposite direction in asector of at least 180°. The axis of rotation is substantiallyperpendicular to the side 29 and the walls 62, 92 in the opened positionof FIG. 4. As the camera arm 18 can also be turned at least 90° upwardsas shown in FIG. 5, the camera can be directed to a wide area, if thedevice 1 is supported stationary on its base. The axis of rotation isperpendicular to the sides 21, 22. To the position of FIG. 5, the cameraarm 18 is bent or placed by means of an arch-like slide rail, at the endof which the camera arm 18 is fixed. Alternatively, the camera arm 18 isplaced in the housing part 6, by the right window 32 and parallel withthe wall 62. The set of openings is thus oriented towards the user in adirection which is substantially perpendicular to the surface 62,wherein in the closed position, the camera is oriented in the directionof the viewfinder without moving the camera arm. The arm 18 can also beprovided with rotation around its longitudinal axis to direct the cameradownwards and upwards.

The camera arm 18 is placed in the position of FIGS. 1 and 5 preferablyautomatically by means of an electrical and/or mechanical mechanism.Preferably, the position can also be controlled with the navigation key3. An image obtained from the image sensor can be preferably displayedon the display 81 and/or 82, on the basis of which image the orientationof the camera can be checked. As the orientation of the informationdisplayed on the display 8 can be exchanged, the device 1 can be used inthe positions of both FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. In the position of FIG. 5, thedevice 1 has a lower gradient angle, about 60° to 80° slanted backwards.

The arm 18 is left between the housing parts 6 and 9, wherein theirupper edge, extending to the edge on the side of the handle part 2, isprovided with indentations 30 and 31 of equal shape. They are providedwith transparent windows 32, 33 which are equipped with recesses 34 and35, in which each the arm 18 can be fitted in half. The recesses are onthe side of the inner walls 62, 92 and constitute a uniform space. Inthe closed device 1, the arm 18 is placed in a shield between thewindows 32, 33 and ready for the camera functions as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows, in more detail, a hinge mechanism 36 for the device 1according to an advantageous embodiment. FIG. 7 only shows the fixing ofthe housing part 6 and one half of the split handle part 2. The otherhalf of the handle part has an identical shape in mirror image. Themechanism comprises an ejector mechanism 37 for ejecting the housingparts 6, 9 and the hinge system out of the handle part 2, an unfoldingmechanism 38 to assist in the opening of the housing parts 6 and 9, anda hinge system 39 for folding the housing parts 6, 9 together and inrelation to the handle part 2.

The ejector mechanism 37 comprises one or more locking clutches 371 and372 fitted in the handle part 2. They keep the housing parts 6, 9stationary in the closed position and form a counter-force for one ormore spring means, for example pressure springs 373 and 374, whichcontinuously tend to move the housing parts 6, 9 apart from the handlepart 2. A button 15 is arranged to press the upper clutch 371 (in theupper part of the handle part 2) which, by means of rod transmission,also turns the lower clutch 372 (in the lower part of the handle part2). A spring 376 turns the clutches into a locking position.

The hinge system 39 comprises a hinge beam 391 which is parallel withthe longitudinal direction of the handle part 2. Pushed by the springs373, 374, a beam 391 glides inside the handle part 2 away from theuser's palm. In the opposite direction, the beam 391 is glided by hand.The movement is limited by pins 392 and 393 whose ends are placed ingrooves 40, 41 inside the handle part 2. The grooves are formed intransverse ridges 42 and 43 which are also used as guiding rails and areplaced in grooves in the other parts of the mechanism. A hinge beam 394is fixed at one side to the side wall 65 of the housing part 6, and itis parallel to the beam 391. The side surface 65 is placed lower thanthe parallel side surface 61. The other side of the beam 394 forms asurface corresponding to the side wall 93 of FIG. 3 in the housing part6. The structure is preferably covered to form a uniform side surfaceand to hide the hinge system.

A structure corresponding to the beam 394 can be manufactured andintegrated in the part 6. The hinge system comprises a parallel hingebeam for the housing part 9 (not shown in the figure), corresponding tothe beam 394. The beams 391, 394 are provided with grooves 395, 396, 397and 398 for the ridges 42, 43, used as glides. The beam 394 does notbend or move in relation to the housing part 6, and the beam 391 doesnot bend in relation to the handle part 2. The beams 391, 394 are bentaround a joint rotation axis C in such a way that their distance fromthe rotation axis C remains constant.

The hinge system 39 comprises at least a glide part 399 a fixed to theupper part of the beam 391 and a glide part 399 b fixed to the lowerpart of the beam 391, their upper and lower surfaces being equipped witharch-like glide grooves. The glide parts extend towards the parts 6, 9.To the upper part of the beam 394 is fixed a counterpart 399 c extendingtowards the part 2 and provided with an arch-like neck gliding in thegroove of the glide part 399 a. The glide part 399 b and a counterpart399 d, fixed to the lower part of the beam 394, function pairwise in acorresponding way. The turning points C′ of the glide parts and thecounterparts are arranged to be placed on a joint rotation axis C whichis at the level of the inner walls 62, 92 shown in FIG. 5 and in theseam 83 when the device 1 is folded up. Thus, the housing parts 6, 9remain attached to each other, and simultaneously also the displays 81,82 are placed adjacent to each other as tightly as possible. Therotation axis C is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle part2. The opening movement can be limited in such a way that the surface 65is placed against the ends of the glide parts 399 a, 399 b. To the upperpart of the beam 9 is fixed a counterpart 399 e extending towards thepart 2 and provided with an arch-like neck gliding in the groove of theglide part 399 a. A counterpart 446 fixed to the upper part of thesupport beam operates in a corresponding manner. The glide part 399 band a counterpart 399 f, fixed to the lower part of the hinge beam,function pairwise in a corresponding way. To save space, the pair ofcounterparts 399 c and 399 e as well as the pair of counterparts 399 dand 399 f are placed on opposite sides of their glide parts.

The unfolding mechanism 38 comprises arms 382 and 383 arranged on ajoint longitudinal shaft journal 381 and extending towards the parts 6,9. The pin 381 and the arms 382, 383 are allowed to move in thetransverse direction, towards the parts 6, 9 in relation to the beam391. The arms 383 and 382 are fixed to the beam 394 and to the hingebeam of the housing part 9 by means of a hinge pin 385 and a hinge pin384, respectively. The parallel rotation axes in the longitudinaldirection of the hinge pins 384, 385 are placed on opposite sides of theaxis C, and each rotation axis on the side of the housing part to whichalso the hinge pin is fixed. The rotation axes are slightly closer tothe part 2 than the axis C. The pin 381 is also provided with atensioned torsional spring 388 which is continuously effective betweenthe arms 382, 383 and tends to turn them around the pin 381 towards eachother and to be parallel. Thus, a torque force is simultaneouslyproduced, tending to turn the hinge pins 384, 385 towards each otheraround the rotation axis C. The hinge pins 384, 385 are turned so thatthe direction of their rotation axes is maintained. This, in turn,produces a torque effective on the housing parts 6, 9 to make them openwhen ejected, wherein when they are pushed in, the grooves 395, 396 aresupported to the ridges 42, 43 of the housing part 2. When turned, thedistances between the rotation axis of the hinge pin and the axis C onone hand and between the rotation axis of the hinge pin and the pin 381on the other hand remain constant, with the result that the position ofthe pin 381 in relation to the beam and the handle part 2 will vary.Therefore, the pin and the arms are fitted in a movable manner in a nestin the middle part of the beam 391. Further, the ends of the pin 381 areprovided with fitting parts 386 and 387.

The electrical components of the PDA/CMT device, such as the circuitboards, the transceiver fitted on a circuit board with its electricalcircuits and antenna, as well as the control circuits for controllingthe displays and the whole device, are arranged in free spaces leftbetween the housing parts. The keys and the control buttons are in anelectrical contact with the control circuits. The operation of the wholedevice is controlled by a control system operating under a controlprogram stored in the memory means and arranged for controlling theabove-described device in a desired manner. The design, manufacture andplacement of the necessary components as well as the arrangement of thefunctions can be selected by anyone skilled in the art according to therequirements at the time. In the selection, it is possible to applytechnology and methods known as such. The requirements depend on e.g.the different properties of the device, such as camera or musicfunctions, the capacity of the necessary memory means, the connectionsto other devices, and the network or networks used for wirelesscommunication, such as a GSM mobile communication network based on acellular network and/or a short-range RF or IR network. The device withits antenna is arranged to operate in a desired, preferably broadbandcommunication network, e.g. to make the transfer of video callspossible.

The invention has been described above in an application in connectionwith an advantageous communication device, to which it is particularlywell suited, but on the basis of the description, it is obvious foranyone skilled in the art to apply the invention also in connection withother electronic devices within the scope of the appended claims. Thedevice can naturally be also used with other alternative hand grips andin other positions. The presented grip and use position thus provide anexample of a preferred way of holding the device of the invention,wherein the keys of the handle part are placed in such a way that atleast this grip and the use of several different functions would bepossible and easy.

1. A hinge mechanism for a portable, foldable electronic devicecomprising two or more positions and comprising at least three housingparts foldable in relation to each other, wherein the hinge mechanismcomprises: a hinge system adapted to couple a first housing part to asecond housing part, to fold the first and the second housing parts inrelation to each other, and to couple the first and the second housingparts to a third housing part in a foldable manner, and an ejectormechanism adapted for moving said hinge system away from the thirdhousing part.
 2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein thehinge mechanism further comprises an unfolding mechanism adapted forassisting in the opening of the first and the second housing parts. 3.The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the ejector mechanismis further adapted to eject the first and the second housing parts fullyout of the third housing part.
 4. The hinge mechanism according to claim2, wherein the ejector mechanism is further adapted to eject the firstand the second housing parts fully out of the third housing part.
 5. Thehinge mechanism according claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism isfurther adapted to move the first and the second housing parts away fromthe third housing part before opening the first housing part and thesecond housing part in opposite directions, and, upon closing, to movethe first and the second housing parts, which are placed against eachother, partly inside the third housing part.
 6. The hinge mechanismaccording claim 2, wherein the hinge mechanism is further adapted tomove the first and the second housing parts away from the third housingpart before opening the first housing part and the second housing partin opposite directions, and, upon closing, to move the first and thesecond housing parts, which are placed against each other, partly insidethe third housing part.
 7. The hinge mechanism according claim 3,wherein the hinge mechanism is further adapted to move the first and thesecond housing parts away from the third housing part before opening thefirst housing part and the second housing part in opposite directions,and, upon closing, to move the first and the second housing parts, whichare placed against each other, partly inside the third housing part. 8.The hinge mechanism according claim 4, wherein the hinge mechanism isfurther adapted to move the first and the second housing parts away fromthe third housing part before opening the first housing part and thesecond housing part in opposite directions, and, upon closing, to movethe first and the second housing parts, which are placed against eachother, partly inside the third housing part.